Customized Content for Electronic Devices

ABSTRACT

A method for providing customized content to an electronic device. The method may include activating the electronic device through a packaging that substantially surrounds the electronic device, without substantially damaging or removing the packaging. Once the device is activating, connecting the electronic device to a content and providing the content to the electronic device without substantially damaging or removing the packaging.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. non-provisional application No.13/248,950, filed Sep, 29, 2011, which is expressly incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to electronic devices and morespecifically, to providing content to electronic devices.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices such as digital music players, video players, smartphones, mobile gaming devices, laptops, and so on may include a varietyof content such as music files, video files, applications, and so on.These electronic devices may often be sold in stores, online, or otherretailers in packaging. The packaging may protect the electronic devicesfrom damage during shipping, storage, and so on, as well as enhanceattractiveness to consumers and/or reduce the likelihood of shoplifting.Prior to a particular electronic device being removed from itspackaging, the content on the device typically is not customized. Inother words, every electronic device of a particular model, if itincludes any content, usually includes the same content. This is becauseit may be extremely time consuming and prohibitively expensive tocustomize content for each specific electronic device prior topackaging, as each device need to be accessed individually, slowingmanufacturing, shipping, and other processes.

SUMMARY

Examples of embodiments described herein may take the form of a methodfor providing customized content to an electronic device. The method mayinclude activating the electronic device through a package thatsubstantially surrounds the electronic device, without substantiallydamaging or removing the package. Once the device is activated,connecting the electronic device to content and providing the content tothe electronic device without substantially damaging or removing thepackage.

Other embodiments may take the form of a method for individualizingcontent on an electronic device enclosed with a package. The method mayinclude connecting a data connector in the electronic device through thepackage. Once the data connector has been connected to the electronicdevice, transferring content from a computer to the electronic deviceand disconnecting the electronic device from the data connector.

Still other embodiments may include a system for packaging an electronicdevice. The system includes an electronic device and a package. Theelectronic device includes a processor and an enclosure at leastpartially surrounding the processor and defining an input port. Thepackage substantially surrounds the electronic device and at leastpartially protects debris from encountering the electronic device. Thepackage includes an access aperture substantially aligned with the inputport, where the access aperture is configured to receive a connector forcommunicating with the electronic device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary electronic device.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of the electronic device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the electronic device substantiallyenclosed in a package.

FIG. 2B is a bottom plan view of the electronic device substantiallyenclosed in the package.

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the electronic device substantiallyenclosed in the package and including a temporary cover over an accessaperture in the package.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the electronic device substantiallyenclosed in the package with a connector positioned substantiallybeneath the access aperture.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the electronic device substantiallyenclosed in the package with the connector inserted through the accessaperture and connected to the electronic device.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the package forenclosing the electronic device.

FIG. 4B is a bottom plan view of the package enclosing the electronicdevice of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the package of FIG. 4A with theconnector in communication with the electronic device.

FIG. 6A is another embodiment of an electronic device in a package.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a controller positioned over thepackage and the electronic device of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an exemplary method for providing customcontent to the electronic device.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a user using a second computing device to providecustom content and a label for the electronic device.

SPECIFICATION

Some embodiments described herein may take the form of various methodsand devices for providing customized content to electronic deviceswithout removing the electronic devices from the packaging. As describedherein “content” refers to any type of software, firmware, or electronicfiles, such as but not limited to, data files, operating systems,software or firmware updates, music files, images, videos, and so on. Inone embodiment, a package for electronic devices includes a connectionor access aperture that may substantially aligned with an input port orother port for the device. In this embodiment, the access aperture isconfigured to receive a connector therethrough, and the connector mayelectronically connect to the device through the packaging. Once thedevice is connected to the connector, a user may selectively choosecontent to be downloaded or associated with the device.

In another embodiment, the package may include an embedded or temporaryconnector that may include a connection port accessible through thepackaging. In this embodiment, the temporary connector may be made of arelatively disposable or inexpensive material, one example of which iscardboard with copper wiring attached thereto, or another similar typeof temporary connector mechanism. The temporary connector may bepositioned in the packaging so as to be in communication with thedevice. An external connector may then connect to the device through thetemporary connector. Once the connector is attached, a user may selectcontent to be downloaded or associated with the device.

In yet another embodiment, the device may be activated wirelessly anddata may be transmitted wirelessly through the package. For example, thedevice may be turned on physically by using a controller, such as amagnetic controller, that may displace the power switch from a firstposition to a second position. In another example, the controller mayinclude a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that may be used toactivate the device. In another example, the device may include a sensorand may activate itself when a particular motion, sound, light, or imageis sensed. The device may also be activated by inducing a current in thedevice through a magnetic coil or the like. Once the device isactivated, the user may select content to be downloaded or associatedwith the device.

The user may select content from another computing device, such as acomputer or kiosk, or may select content from a wireless source (e.g.,cloud storage, local or online retailer, and the like). The content maybe downloaded directly to the device through the package, or may beassociated with the device, e.g., through a serial number of the device,gift card identification, user name, or other identification code.Additionally or alternatively, the user may select to delete contentfrom the device, rather than add content to the device. In otherexamples, the content may be created by the user using the device, e.g.,by taking a picture using a camera on the device when the device hasbeen activated.

The device may be further customized, in that the content may beintegrated into a software package which may allow customized homescreens, startup screens, or background images. In one example, a usermay associate content with the device that may be select images that mayapparent on a home screen or background screen of the electronic device.

Furthermore, select content may be printed and included as a part of thepackage. For example, the user may create content or may select contentto be printed by a printing device and placed on the package. Theprinted content may be selected to correspond to the electrical contentstored or tied to the device.

The Electronic Device

The methods and devices described herein can be used with substantiallyany type of device that may be transported, sold, or otherwise enclosedin some form of packaging. However, in some embodiments, these methodsand devices may be used with an electronic device 100. FIG. 1A is anisometric view of an exemplary electronic device. FIG. 1B is anexemplary block diagram of the electronic device 100. The electronicdevice 100 may be substantially any type of electronic device thatstores content, such as but not limited to, a computer, mobile phone,smart phone, digital music player, digital camera, calculator, personaldigital assistant, television, and so on. In the embodiment illustratedin FIG. 1A, the electronic device 100 is a portable electronic devicesuch as a digital musical player or mobile phone, but other options areenvisioned and the figures are meant to be exemplary only.

The electronic device 100 may include a display 104, at least one inputmember 108, an input port 110, a power switch 106, and an enclosure 102at least partially surrounding select or all of the components of theelectronic device 100. The power switch 106 may turn the electronicdevice 100 and on and off, e.g., may activate and deactivate theelectronic device 100. The power switch 106 may be positionedsubstantially anywhere on the electronic device 100 and may besubstantially any type of input mechanism, e.g., button, switch, knob,and so on.

The display 104 may provide an image or video output for the electronicdevice 100. The display 104 may be substantially any size and may bepositioned substantially anywhere on the electronic device 104. In someembodiments, the display 104 may be a liquid display screen, plasmascreen, light emitting diode screen, and so on. The display 104 mayfurther include an input sensor, e.g., capacitive touch screen.

The input member 108 (which may be a switch, capacitive sensor, or otherinput mechanism) allows a user to interact with the electronic device100. For example, the input member 108 may be a button or switch toalter the volume, return to a home screen, and the like. Additionally,the input member 108 may also provide haptic feedback or other hapticoutput for the electronic device 100. The electronic device 100 mayinclude one or more input members 108, and each button 108 may have asingle or multiple input/output function. Furthermore, in someembodiments, the input member 108 may be incorporated into the display104, e.g., a capacitive touch screen as the display 104. The inputmember 104 (which may be a switch, capacitive sensor, or other inputmechanism) allows a user to interact with the electronic device 100.

The enclosure 102 may form a portion of an exterior of the electronicdevice 100 and may at least partially surround select components, suchas a processor, memory, and so on, of the electronic device 100. Theenclosure 102 may be removable from the device 100, or may besubstantially secured around the select components.

The input port 110 may be formed within or defined by the enclosure 102and may electrically connect an external device (e.g., headphones,speakers) to one or more internal components of the mobile computingdevice 100. The input port 110 is configured to receive an electricalconnector for the electronic device 100. For example, the input port 110may be configured to receive a power cord, a data cable (e.g., universalserial bus, fiber optic, tip ring sleeve connector, and the like), or acombination data and power cable. The electronic device 100 may includemore than one input port 110 and each input port 110 may be positionedsubstantially anywhere on the electronic device 100.

The electronic device 100 may also include a sensor 122 positionedsubstantially anywhere on the electronic device 100. The sensor 122 mayinclude a single sensor or multiple sensors. Additionally, the sensor122 may be configured to sense substantially any type of characteristic,such as but not limited to, images, pressure, light, touch, heat,movement, relative motion, and so on. For example, the sensor 122 may bean image sensor, a heat sensor, a light or optical sensor, anaccelerometer, a pressure transducer, a gyroscope, a magnet, and so on.

Furthermore, the electronic device 100 may include a processor 112, anetwork/communication interface 114, an input/output interface 118(which may include the display 104, input members 108, and/or input port110), and memory 116. The processor 112 may control operation of theelectronic device 100 and its various components. The processor 112 maybe in communication with the input port 110, the display 104, the inputmember 108, the network/communication interface 114, the memory 116 andthe input/output interface 118. The processor 112 may be any electronicdevice cable of processing, receiving, and/or transmitting instructions.For example, the processor 112 may be a microprocessor or amicrocomputer.

For example, the network/communication interface 114 may be used toplace phone calls from electronic device 100 (in embodiments where theelectronic device 100 is a phone), may be used to receive data from anetwork, or may be used to send and transmit electronic signals via awireless or wired connection (Internet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernetbeing a few examples).

The memory 116 may store electronic data that may be utilized by theelectronic device 100. For example, the memory 116 may store electricaldata or content e.g., audio files, video files, document files, and soon, corresponding to various applications. The memory 116 may be, forexample, non-volatile storage, a magnetic storage medium, opticalstorage medium, magneto-optical storage medium, read only memory, randomaccess memory, erasable programmable memory, or flash memory.

The input/output interface 118 facilitates communication by theelectronic device 100 to and from a variety of devices/sources. Forexample, the input/output interface 118 may receive data from user,control buttons (e.g., input member 108) on the electronic device 100,and so on. Additionally, the input/output interface 116 may alsoreceive/transmit data to and from an external drive, e.g., a universalserial bus (USB), or other video/audio/data inputs. Furthermore, inother embodiments input/output interface 118 may include an audio outputcomponent such as a speaker or audio jack in order to provide an audiooutput for the device.

It should be noted that FIGS. 1A and 1B are exemplary only. In otherexamples, the electronic device may include fewer or more componentsthan those shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

Input Port Access Through Packaging

A package for the electronic device 100 will now be discussed. FIG. 2Ais an isometric view of the electronic device 100 substantially enclosedwithin a package 150. FIG. 2B is a bottom plan view of the electronicdevice 100 enclosed within the package 150. The package 150 maysubstantially enclose the electronic device 100 and may prevent theelectronic device 100 from collecting debris, being damaged, and thelike during transportation, distribution, storage, sale, and so on.

The package 150 may be substantially any shape. However, as shown inFIG. 2A, it may be configured to generally correspond to the shape ofthe electronic device 100. The package 150 may be constructed out ofsubstantially any type of material, such as, but not limited to,plastic, cardboard, paper, expanded polystyrene foam, paperboard, metalsor alloys, wood, and so on. In one embodiment, the package 150 may be ahard, at least partially rigid plastic in order to provide a stiffenclosure for the electronic device 100.

The package 150 may include a bottom wall 162 and two sidewalls 158, 160extending substantially vertically upward from opposite edges of thebottom wall 162 and parallel to each other. The package 150 may furtherinclude a top wall 156 spanning horizontally between a top end of eachside wall 158, 160. A front and back wall 164, 166 extend from oppositeedges of the bottom wall 162, and are substantially perpendicular to thesidewalls 158, 160. It should be appreciated that FIG. 2A is notnecessarily drawn to any particular scale or proportion, and is intendedto illustrate certain components generally rather than precise, exactrelationships between such components. Likewise, some elements orcomponents may be omitted from the view of FIG. 2A in order to moreclearly illustrate what is shown in order to effectively describecertain embodiments. The foregoing is true for all other figures in thisapplication, as well.

The package 150 may define a cavity 168 in which the electronic device100 may be supported. The cavity 168 may be modified based on thedesired packaging strength or appearance desired. For example, in someembodiments, the walls 158, 160, 164, 166 may be configured tosubstantially conform to the shape of the electronic device 100. Inthese examples, the cavity 168 may substantially trace the shape of theelectronic device 100. However, in other embodiments, the cavity 168 maybe much larger than the electronic device 100 and the walls of thepackage 150 may be spaced apart from the electronic device 100.

The package 150 may also include a product support 170 to support theelectronic device 100 within the package 150. The product support 170may position the electronic device 100 at a certain height or positionwithin the package 150. As shown in FIG. 2A, the product support 170 maysupport a bottom surface of the electronic device 100. However, in otherexamples, the product support 170 may be differently configured and maysupport a rear surface of the electronic device 100, a top surface, andso on. Furthermore, the product support 170 may be omitted in otherembodiments. It should be noted that after FIG. 2A, the product support170 has been hidden so that other aspects of the package 150 may beseen.

The package 150 may define an access or connection aperture 152. Theaccess aperture 152 may be defined through a portion of the package 150and provides an opening to electronically connect to the electronicdevice 100. For example, a connection cable may be inserted through theaccess aperture 152 to electronically connect to the electronic device100. Thus, the electronic device 100 may be accessed without opening thepackage 150, thereby potentially substantially maintaining the integrityand strength of the package 150. The access aperture may permit contentto be loaded onto the device electronically without removing the devicefrom the packaging. The access aperture 152 may be positioned in thepackage 150 so as to be substantially aligned with the input port 110,therefore the location of the input port 110 may drive the location ofthe access aperture 152

FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the package 150. As can been seen in FIG.2B, the access aperture 152 may be substantially aligned with the inputport 110, so that a connection cable may be inserted substantiallystraight through the access aperture 152 in order to connect with theinput port 110.

In one example, the access aperture 152 may be a rectangular aperturedefined through the bottom wall 162 and may extend into the cavity 168.In other embodiments, such as ones where the cavity 168 may besubstantially formed around the electronic device 100, the accessaperture 152 may extend through the package 150 to the electronic device100. In this manner, the access aperture 152 may define a guide path ortunnel through the package 150 to the electronic device 100. It shouldbe noted that, in some embodiments, the access aperture 152 may bedefined via slits or cuts within the package 150, which may form a dooror living hinge.

The dimensions of the access aperture 152 may be configured based on theelectronic device 100, its position and configuration within the package150, the dimensions of the input port 110, and/or the spatialrelationship of the device/input port to the package. For example insome embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include a smaller sizedinput port 111 than shown in FIG. 1A. In this example, the accessaperture 152 may have smaller dimensions than those shown in FIG. 2A.

In some embodiments, the package 150 may further include a temporarycover or door to provide a covering or stopper for the access aperture152. FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the package 150 including theelectronic device 100 and a temporary cover 172. The temporary cover 172may be positioned over the access aperture 152. The temporary cover 172may be a stopper-like member that may be inserted into the accessaperture 152 or may be a label or paper including adhesive that may bepositioned cover the access aperture 152. Similarly, the temporary cover172 may be a door or living hinge that may be define the access aperture152. The temporary cover 172 may prevent debris, water, or the like fromentering into the cavity 168 and the input port 110. The temporary cover172 may be selectively removable so that the electronic device 100 maybe accessed and then replaced to cover the access aperture 152.

As described above, the access aperture 152 may provide a port orpathway for a connector (such as a Universal Serial Bus, or other datacable) to access the input port 110 without substantially damaging orotherwise opening the package 150. FIG. 3A is a perspective view of theelectronic device within the package with a connector 174 about to beinserted into the access aperture. FIG. 3B is a perspective view of theelectronic device 100 within the package 150 with the connector 174inserted. The access aperture 152 and the input port 110 are configuredto receive the connector 174.

The connector 174 may be electronically connected to a second computingdevice, such as a computer, laptop, mobile electronic device, storekiosk and the like. The connector 174 may be substantially any type ofconnector, such as a power and/or data connector. In some examples, theconnector 174 may be a USB cable or 30 pin connector. However, otherconnector types are envisioned as well.

The connector 174 may be inserted into the access aperture 152 and theninto the input port 110. Once the connector 174 has been received withinthe input port 110, the electronic device 100 may be activated orpowered on. Additionally, the connector 174 may transfer content or datasuch as music files, video files, applications, and so on, from thesecond computer (not shown) to the electronic device 100.

As shown in FIG. 3B, once the connector 174 is inserted into the accessaperture 152, the electronic device 100 may activate and the display 104may display an initial screen 180. The initial screen 180 may besubstantially any type of graphical user interface and may include adisplay of particular data, such as music information, video informationor the like. The transfer of content to the electronic device 100 isdiscussed in more detail below with respect to FIG. 7.

Temporary Connector Embedded into Packaging

In another embodiment, a temporary or package connector may form aportion of the package 150. FIG. 4A is a perspective view of theelectronic device 100 included within the package 150 having a packageconnector 184. FIG. 4B is a bottom plan view of the electronic device100 included within the package 150 illustrated in FIG. 4A. The packageconnector 184 may be formed within the cavity 168 and may be incommunication with the input port 110. In one example, the packageconnector 184 may be in electrical communication with the input port110.

The package connector 184 may extend through at least a portion of thepackage 150 and may be substantially flush with the access aperture 152or may extend slight past or terminate slightly before the bottom wall162. The package connector 184 may allow the connector 174 to connect tothe electronic device 100 without requiring the connector 174 to beinserted into the package 150.

The package connector 184 may be temporary, in that it may be formed ofa disposable or relatively inexpensive material, such as cardboard,plastic, or so on. The material forming the package connector 184 mayfurther include conductive wiring, a printed circuit board, or anothertype of component for transmitting electrical signals. In this manner,the package connector 184 may transmit signals to and from theelectronic device 100 and the connector 174. For example, the packageconnector 184 may be a plastic portion insert molded into the package150 including electrical contacts or wiring.

The package connector 184 may include a receiving port 188 for receivinga terminal end of the connector 174. The receiving port 188 may besubstantially the same as the input port 110, so that the connector 174may be able to be received within either the package connector 184 orthe input port 110.

However, in other embodiments, the receiving port 188 may be configureddifferently from the input port 110. In these embodiments, a specializedconnector may be used in order to connect to the electronic device 100and the package connector 184 may act as an adapter between thespecialized connector and the electronic device 100. These embodimentsmay assist in preventing theft of the electronic device 100 prior tobeing sold. For example, the electronic device 100 may be manufactured,transported and stored within the package 150, and may not include anycontent stored in the memory 116. Once the electronic device 100 ispurchased, stocked in a store, or otherwise ready to be used, thespecialized connector may connect to the package connector 184 totransfer content to the electronic device 100. In some cases, thiscontent may include an operating system or other key software componentnecessary to operate or activate the device. As the electronic device100 may be substantially blank when being transported, and may only beactivated or have content downloaded thereto by the specializedconnector, a person may be substantially less likely to steal theelectronic device 100 (or may be unable to use a stolen device). Thespecialized connector may be a non-standard connector with a unique pinlayout in certain circumstances.

In other embodiments, the package connector 184 may be formed of a morepermanent or more expensive material, such as a material similar to theconnector 174. For example, the package connector 184 may be arelatively permanent connector that may be included within the entirepackaging of the device 100. In this example, the package connector 184may be inserted into the port 110 and then a second end of the packageconnector 184 may be positioned to be substantially aligned with theaccess aperture 152. This embodiment, may allow a connector that mayalready be included with the packaging to be used to provide access tothe electronic device 100 while it is in the package 150.

Similar to the access aperture 152, the package connector 184 may bepositioned and configured in order to accommodate the position andorientation of the electronic device 100 within the package 150. Forexample, although the package connector 184 is illustrated as extendingor spanning between an inner surface of the bottom wall 162 of thepackage 150 to the bottom surface of the electronic device 100, in otherembodiments, the package connector 184 may be differently positioned,e.g., on a top, side or other position of the electronic device 100and/or package 150.

Wireless Connection to the Device

In another embodiment, the electronic device 100 may be activated andcontent may be transferred to the electronic device 100 wirelessly. FIG.6A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the package 250. Thepackage 250 may be substantially similar to the package 150, but theaccess aperture 152 may be omitted. In this embodiment, the package 250may be substantially enclosed and sealed so that debris, water, and soon, may be substantially prevented from entering into the cavity 168.Thus, the electronic device 100 may be substantially encased within thepackage 250.

In the embodiment of the package 250 illustrated in FIG. 6A, theelectronic device 100 may be activated and content may transferred tothe electronic device 100 wirelessly. In one example, an externaldevice, such as a wand or controller, may be used to activate thedevice. FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the package 250 and theelectronic device 100, with a controller 252 activating the electronicdevice 100. The controller 252 may couple to the electronic device 100to activate a switch, one example of which is power switch 106.

In one example, the controller 252 may physically move the power switch106 from an off position to an on position, and vice versa. The arrowsin FIG. 6B illustrate the potential relative movement of the powerswitch 106 as it interacts with the controller 252. For example, thepower switch 106 and the controller 252 may be corresponding magnets,such that the controller 252 can magnetically move the power switch 106(or other relay) mechanically. In this example, the controller 252 andthe power switch 106 may be permanent magnets, electromagnets, orprogrammable magnets. Further, the controller 252 and the power switch106 may be substantially any type of material that has a magnetic fieldor can be configured to produce a magnetic field.

In operation, a user may pass the controller 252 over the top wall 156of the package 250 in a direction in which he or she desires the powerswitch 106 to move. As the controller 252 passes over the top wall 156,a magnetic force produced by the controller 252 interacts (through thetop wall 156) with the power switch 106. The magnetic force may thenpull the power switch 106 in the direction that the controller 252 ismoving. As the power switch 106 moves from a first position to a secondposition, the electronic device 100 may change states, e.g., theelectronic device 100 may switch from off to on, from hibernate to on,from on to off, and so on.

In one example, the controller 252 may be used to activate or turn onthe electronic device 100. After the electronic device 100 is turned on,content, e.g., music files, data, and so on, may be transferred from asecond computing device to the electronic device 100 wirelessly, e.g.,through the network/communication interface 114 or the like. Thetransfer of content to the electronic device will be discussed in moredetail with respect to FIG. 7.

In other embodiments, the controller 252 may activate the electronicdevice 100 wirelessly rather than mechanically. For example, thecontroller 252 may have a unique electronic identifier that correspondsto a unique identifier in the electronic device 100. The sensor 122 maythen sense the unique identifier and may activate the electronic device100.

It should be appreciated that the controller may be stationary in someembodiments and the package, with device, passed beneath it to achievethe same results discussed herein.

In one example, the controller 252 may include a RFID tag that maycorrespond to the electronic device 100. As the controller 252 passesover the sensor 122, the sensor 122 may recognize the unique identifier(the RFID tag) that may be transmitted by the controller 252. If theunique identifier corresponds to the electronic device 100, the sensor122 may then activate the electronic device 100. In this example, thesensor 122 may be an active RFID sensor, and may detect the controller'sRFID tag. In such embodiments, the controller 252 may employ a passiveRFID tag. However, other options are possible.

In another example, the controller 252 may be an induction coil thatoperates in conjunction with a corresponding coil in the electronicdevice 100. For example, the sensor 122 may include a correspondinginduction coil that may produce a current when placed in close proximityto the controller 252. In another example, the electronic device 100 mayinclude a speaker as a part of the input/output interface 118. As thecontroller 252 is positioned over the location of the package 250corresponding to the speaker, the controller 252 may induce a current ina coil of the speaker. For example, the speaker may include aselectively magnetized coil in order to vibrate a diaphragm in order toproduce sounds; this coil may be magnetized by the controller 252 whilethe device 100 is in the package 250.

As the speaker is activated, it may provide an input to the processor112 to activate the electronic device 100. Similarly, the controller 252may also induce the speaker coil indirectly. For example, the controller252 may produce a vibration that causes the diagram of the speaker tovibrate, inducting a current in the speaker coil to wake the device 100.It should be noted that the aforementioned embodiments may also be usedwith a transducer microphone instead of a speaker in the electronicdevice 100.

In another embodiment, the controller 252 may be a light source and thesensor 122 may be a light sensor. In this embodiment, the controller 252may be activated and direct a light, such as a ultra-violet light, anincandescent light, a light emitting diode, or the like, towards thesensor 122 through the package 250. The sensor 122, which may be anoptical sensor, or other light sensing component, may then sense thelight source and activate the electronic device 100 by sending a signalto the processor 112, or activating a power source of the electronicdevice 100.

Similar to the previous embodiment, in some embodiments the controller252 may be omitted and the sensor 122 may be a light sensor. The sensor122 may then be covered on the outside of the package 250, e.g., by thetemporary cover 172. The temporary cover 172 or other item may then beremoved when the electronic device 100 is to be activated. The sensor122 may then detect the ambient light or a change in the light and maythe activate the electronic device 100.

Other embodiments for the sensor 122 are also possible. For example, thesensor 122 may be a pressure transducer and the electronic device 100may be activated by a user blowing air or otherwise providing change inpressure into the package 150.

It should be noted that it substantially any of the above mentionedembodiments, the sensor 122 may be detached from the electronic device100. For example, the sensor 122 may be included as part of the package250 and may in communication with the electronic device 100, e.g.,through input port 110. Thus, the sensor 122 may only be used toactivate the electronic device 100, and may not be included during thenormal functions of the electronic device 100.

Providing Content to the Device

Once the electronic device 100 is activated, content, such as anoperating system, firmware (e.g., programs and/or data structures thatinternally control various electronic devices), software programs,software updates, firmware updates, data files, and applications may betransferred or associated with the electronic device 100. The contentmay be customized and individualized for the specific electronic device100. FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an exemplarily method for providingcontent to the electronic device 100.

The method 300 may begin with operation 302 and the electronic device100 may be activated or turned on. As described above, the electronicdevice 100 may be activated in a number of different manners, such asbut not limited to, connecting the connector 174 to the device 100(either through the access aperture 152 or through the temporaryconnector 184), or wirelessly activating the electronic device 100.

After the electronic device 100 has been activated, the method 300 mayproceed to operation 304. In operation 304, custom content may beassociated or downloaded to the device 100. For example, the user mayprovide an input to the electronic device 100 indicating that he or shemay create his or her own content or otherwise select a unique orindividualized selection of content to be associated with or downloadedto the device 100. Or, the electronic device 100 may not include anessential software component, and the user may select an option toprovide the electronic device 100 with content.

Custom content may be substantially any type of content, but may beindividualized for the particular electronic device 100 (for example,content selected by a user). Non-custom content may be content that maybe common to all instances of a particular electronic device, such as anoperating system or the like. It should be noted that a user may selectparticular custom content for a first electronic device and thenreselect that same custom content for a second electronic device, andthe content on each electronic device may still be considered “custom.”

In operation 304, if custom content is desired, the method 300 mayproceed to operation 306. In operation 306, the electronic device 100and/or a second computing device may present an option to the user todetermine if he or she wishes to create content, e.g., take aphotograph, record a sound, or the like. In operation 306, if the userwishes to create his or her own content, the method 300 may proceed tooperation 310 and the user may create the content. The content may becreated with the electronic device 100, for example, a user may use thesensor 122 to capture an image, record a sound, or the like. In anotherexample, the user may create the content using a second computingdevice, for example, the user may create the content with a digitalcamera and transfer the content to the electronic device 100.

After the content has been created or if the user did not choose tocreate content in operation 306, the method 300 may proceed to operation312. In operation 312 the user may provide an input to the electronicdevice 100 or the second computing device selecting content to beassociated or downloaded to the electronic device 100. If the content iscreated by the user, the created content may then be chosen or selectedby the user. This may involve providing an input to the electronicdevice 100 via the input member 108 indicating that a particular contentshould be added or may involve selecting a content on a second computingdevice.

The content may be selected or chosen from a variety of sources,including the custom content, which may be on the electronic device 100itself, online content (e.g., content available from online retailers),content stored in the memory of the second computing device and so on.The content may be selected by the electronic device 100 or by thesecond computing device as well. As an example, the content may be amusic selection of the top 25 artists, which may be automaticallyselected by the electronic device 100 or the second computing device.

Returning briefly to operation 304, in operation 304, if the user doesnot chose to create custom content, the method 300 may proceed tooperation 308. In operation 308 the user, the electronic device 100, orthe second computing device may determine whether the content should beupdated. In one example, the user decide that the content of the device100 to be updated. In a second example, the second computing device maydetermine that the content may need be updated. In yet another example,the electronic device 100, once activated in operation 302, maydetermine that its content is out of date and needs to be updated.

The content that may be updated may be content already included on theelectronic device 100. The electronic device 100 may include anoperating system, data files, musical files, and the like that may beupdated. For example, the electronic device 100 may include softwarewhich may have been updated to a new version while the electronic device100 was being transported or stored. Thus, if content is to be updatedon the electronic device 100, the new version of the software may bedownloaded or associated with the electronic device 100, while theelectronic device 100 is encased within the package 150, 250.

After operation 312, or in operation 308, the content was chosen to beupdated, the method 300 may proceed to operation 314. In operation 314the electronic device 100 or the second computing device presents anoption to the user whether the content should be stored over a networkor whether the content should be stored on the electronic device 100. Ifthe content is to be stored remotely, e.g., in cloud storage over anetwork, the method 300 may proceed to operation 322. In operation 322the electronic device 100 associates the content with a uniqueidentifier. The unique identifier may be a serial number of theelectronic device 100, a gift card, a user name, a store name, and soon. Substantially any type of identification to associate the contentwith the particular user or with the electronic device 100 may be used.

Once the content is associated with the electronic device 100 or theuser, the content may be selectively or automatically accessed. Forexample, a user may associate the content with the electronic device 100while in a retail store purchasing the electronic device 100. After theelectronic device 100 has been purchased, the user may take it home andturn on the electronic device 100. In one example, the content may beautomatically associated with the electronic device 100 and may beaccessibly substantially immediately when the user activates theelectronic device 100. In another example, the electronic device 100 maypresent the user the option of accessing the content, or the user maysearch for the content. Thus, the content accessible by the electronicdevice 100 may be substantially customized without opening the package150, 250 or destroying the package 150, 250.

After the content has been associated with a unique identifier, themethod 300 may proceed to operation 324 and the electronic device 100may be deactivated. As described above, the electronic device 100 may bedeactivated by a user either wirelessly, wired, or another manner, e.g.,predetermined time-out session, the device 100 turns off after a setperiod.

In operation 314, if the content is not stored remotely, the method 300may proceed to operation 316. In operation 316 the electronic device 100or the second computing device determines if the content is local to theelectronic device 100. For example, the content may already be stored onthe memory 112 of the device 100 as the content may have been createdwith the electronic device 100. If the content is local, the method 300may proceed to operation 320 and the content may be added by theelectronic device 100, if the content has not already been added to thememory 112 of the electronic device 100.

In operation 316, if the content is not local, the method 300 mayproceed to operation 318. In operation 318 the content is downloaded tothe electronic device 100 via the connection cable 174, the temporaryconnector 184, or wirelessly (e.g., via the network/communicationinterface 114, sensor 122, or input/output 118). In one embodiment, thecontent may be transferred to the electronic device 100 via theconnection cable 174. In another embodiment, the content may bedownloaded to the electronic device 100 via the network/communicationinterface 114. After the content has been downloaded or otherwise addedto electronic device 100, the method 300 may proceed to operation 324and the device may be deactivated.

After the content has been added or otherwise associated with theelectronic device 100, a label 402 may be created. FIG. 8 is a diagramof a user 404 creating a customized label 402 to place on the package150, 250. The user 404 may use a second computing device 406, which maybe in the form of a computer, laptop, mobile electronic device, or asshown in FIG. 8, a kiosk, to create the label 402. The label 402 may bedesigned by the user and/or my correspond to the content added orassociated with the electronic device 100. For example, the content maybe transferred to the electronic device 100 from the second computingdevice 406, and thus the label 402 may be based on the content, e.g., aprintout of the content names, an album cover corresponding to musicdownloaded to the device 100, and so on. Alternatively or additionally,the user 404 may create the label 402 themselves.

Furthermore, the second computing device 406 may also be used to erasecontent included on the electronic device 100. For example, a user mayuse method 300 to associate or download content to the electronic device100 but may then not purchase the electronic device 100. In thisexample, the second computing device 406 may be used to erase content onthe electronic device 100. The operations for erasing the content may besubstantially the same as adding content to the electronic device 100,in that the device 100 may be activated and electronically accessed, butcontent may be removed rather than added.

The method 300 and the embodiments for the package 150, 250 andelectronic device 100 described herein may allow content to becustomized and added to an electronic device without damaging or openingthe packaging. This allows a user to give a personalized gift to aperson, which may include selected content by the user in addition tothe hardware and standardized content already include on the electronicdevice 100. Furthermore, content may be updated, e.g., softwareprograms, after a product has manufactured and shipped. Thus a user maypurchase an electronic device with the most current software, even ifthe device had been manufactured weeks or months prior to the purchase.

Moreover, the embodiments described herein may provide theft protectionfor electronic devices. Electronic devices may be manufactured andtransported without any content stored thereon. The content may then beadded via a proprietary connector, unique identifier, or the like, asthe electronic device is purchased. Thus, if an electronic device isstolen during transportation the device may be substantially useless.

CONCLUSION

The foregoing description has broad application. For example, whileexamples disclosed herein may focus on the packaging for an electronicdevice, it should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein mayequally apply to packaging for other devices and apparatuses. Similarly,although the electronic device may be discussed with respect a mobileelectronic device, the devices and techniques disclosed herein areequally applicable to other types of devices. Accordingly, thediscussion of any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary and is notintended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including theclaims, is limited to these examples.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A packaged electronic device, comprising: an electronic device comprising a sensor; and a retail package surrounding the electronic device; wherein the sensor is configured to sense a device outside the package that is in proximity with the electronic device, and wherein the packaged electronic device changes from a deactivated state to an activated state in response to the sensor sensing a characteristic of the outside device.
 22. The packaged electronic device of claim 21, wherein the characteristic is an electronic identifier of the outside device.
 23. The packaged electronic device of claim 21, wherein the sensor is configured to sense an electronic identifier of the outside device, and wherein the packaged electronic device changes to the activated state in response to a determination that the electronic identifier of the outside device matches a predetermined electronic identifier of the electronic device.
 24. The packaged electronic device of claim 21, wherein the sensor is configured to sense an electronic identifier of an RFID tag of the outside device, and wherein the packaged electronic device changes to the activated state in response to a determination that the electronic identifier of the RFID tag matches a predetermined electronic identifier of the electronic device.
 25. The packaged electronic device of claim 21, wherein the characteristic is proximity of the outside device to the sensor.
 26. The packaged electronic device of claim 21, wherein the characteristic is proximity of the outside device to the sensor within a predetermined proximity.
 27. The packaged electronic device of claim 26, wherein the predetermined proximity is based on a signal strength sensed by the sensor.
 28. The packaged electronic device of claim 21, wherein the sensor is a coil and is configured to sense an induction coil of the outside device, and wherein the packaged electronic device changes to the activated state in response to a current induced in its induction coil by the induction coil of the outside device.
 29. The packaged electronic device of claim 28, wherein the coil of the sensor is a coil of a speaker of the electronic device.
 30. The packaged electronic device of claim 28, wherein the coil of the sensor is a coil of a microphone of the electronic device.
 31. The packaged electronic device of claim 21, wherein the first electronic device receives content wirelessly from a second electronic device when in the activated state.
 32. The packaged electronic device of claim 21, wherein the first electronic device receives content wirelessly from a second electronic device when in the activated state, without physical access to the first electronic device by the second electronic device.
 33. Packaging for an electronic device, the packaging comprising: an outer wall defining a cavity for receiving an electronic device; an electrical source disposed within the cavity, for transmitting electrical signals to the electronic device; wherein the outer wall defines an access aperture, and wherein the electrical source is electrically coupled to a receiving port disposed at the access aperture, for receiving a connector.
 34. The packaging of claim 33, wherein the electrical source is configured to transmit signals to the electronic device by a wired connection.
 35. The packaging of claim 33, further comprising the electronic device, wherein the electronic device comprises a coil for producing a current induced by an induction coil outside the electronic device while the electronic device is contained within the packaging.
 36. The packaging of claim 33, further comprising the electronic device, wherein the electrical source extends from the access aperture to a surface of the electronic device.
 37. The packaging of claim 33, wherein the outer wall comprises at least one of a bottom wall, a side wall, or a top wall. 